Bank Negara raids illegal money services business premises

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has raided five premises for suspected offences under the Money Services Business Act 2011 (MSBA) and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFA).

In a statement today, the central bank said the raids took place in Perak, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan and were conducted on Aug 17.

"During the raid, officials seized relevant documents, cash and foreign currencies from DJ Travel

Four illegal immigrants manning the premises were also detained by the Immigration Department.

BNM said the raid was one of its continuous measures to eradicate illegal money changing and remittance activities in the country.

It said any person or company conducting money services business activities, such as money changing and remittance activities, without a licence, is committing an offence under section 4(1) of the MSBA and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5 million or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both.

Individuals convicted under section 4(1) of the AMLATFA shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds of an unlawful activity or instrumentalities at the time the offence was committed or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

BNM advised members of the public to deal only with licensed money services business operators who can be identified by the official logo of the Malaysian Association of Money Services Business (MAMSB) displayed at counters.

The list of licensed money services business operators is also available on BNM's website (www.bnm.gov.my).- BERNAMA